Origin: Belgium
Height: 5.3-17 hh
Colors: Chestnut, sorrel, or roan with flaxen mane and tail
Build: Solid, very muscular, short legs and neck, wide chest
Attributes: Strong, kind, persistent and versatile
History of the Belgian Draft Horse
The Belgian draft horse - or Brabant - is one of the oldest of the draft horse breeds. The Belgian draft horse is quite possibly connected directly to the Forest horse, one of the four original types of horses. Belgians were primarily used in Belgium and at their peak Belgians were used almost exclusively in Belgium. Belgian draft horses have earned a reputation as strong and willing work horses.
During the Middle Ages, the Belgian was known as the Flanders Horse for the area in Belgium in which the Belgian was primarily bred. The Belgian's breeding has remained quite pure. The Belgian was not bred to lighter horses and therefore retained its stocky and incredibly strong build, in fact it still looks very similar to its Roman-era ancestors.
Belgian draft horses have very distinct bloodlines because of their pure breeding. By about 1870, three major groupings of Belgians were accounted for. The differences in the Belgians were not in their conformation but rather in their breeding.
Gros de la Dendre: from the Belgian stallion Orange 1, these horses are primarily bay in coloring.Gris du Hainaut: from the stallion Bayard, all of which are gray, dun, sorrel or red roan. The red roan is thought to show a particular connection with the ancient origin on the breed.
Colosses de la Mehaïque: from the stallion Jean 1. These Belgians are known for their extreme strength.
Belgian draft horses were severly affected by the industrial revolution. Farmers in Belgium all but abandoned the Belgians for mechanical tools to use on their fields. Even to this day the Belgian draft horse is more popular in its home country as a meat horse than a work horse, a sad state for this once lauded breed. In the United States,however, the Belgian horse has won a significant foothold. Belgian draft horses now enjoy a very strong following both for showing and for working on the farm.
Characteristics of the Belgian Draft Horse
Appearance and Conformation of the Belgian Draft Horse
The Belgian is famous for its conformation.
The Belgian draft horse is supremely muscled, with a short, wide back, which allows for more power when pulling. The Belgian's neck is short while the Belgian's chest is wide. Both are remarkably strong. The Belgian is shorter than many other draft horse breeds. But the Belgian makes up for this with its exceptional strength, most of which comes from its hard, short legs, the gaskins being especially muscular. Both the hindquarters and the forequarters of the Belgian draft horse are large and powerfully built. A Belgian's hooves are smaller than on other draft horses. The Belgian's smaller hooves allows them better footing in tight furrows. The legs of a Belgian draft horse are only lightly feathered - an advantage in keeping them clean and out of the way while working.
The head of the Belgian draft horse is well proportioned and square. The Belgian is not a flashy or elegant mover, but it does have a very strong walk and is more suited to farm work than pulling carriages. Belgians have very distinct colors. Originally belgian draft horses were found in many different colors but since the 1920s American breeders have selected and bred Belgians for the sorrel, chestnut and roan colors, all with flaxen manes and tails. Chestnut and sorrel colored Belgians are the most popular. Belgians commonly have a white stripe on their face and white socks on all four legs. In Europe, Belgians are found in a broader range of color.
Temperament of the Belgian Draft Horse
Almost everyone who interacts with Belgians comments on their kind nature. Belgians are gentle and docile. Do not be mislead by a Belgian's gentle demeanor. Belgian draft horses are very avid and willing workers. Belgians are happier out working than they are being idle. What Belgian draft horses lack in elegance they make up for in their down to earth personality. Belgians are calm and easy to handle.
Uses for the Belgian Draft Horse
The Belgian draft horse is truly the jack of all trades. Belgians are one of the most versatile breeds in use today. Belgians are most popular for logging, plowing and pulling carriages, wagons and sleighs. Because of the Belgian's temperament and strength they are also often used in jumping, dressage and for western riding. The heart of the Belgian horse can be summed up in a single line: whatever you ask the Belgian to do, it is willing to try.